Crime
Two Dead, Juvenile Suspect in Custody Following Foothills Mall Shooting
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Two individuals are dead and a juvenile suspect is in custody following a fatal shooting at Foothills Mall on Saturday evening, according to a Sunday morning press release from Fort Collins Police Services.
The incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. on April 5, 2025, at Foothills Mall located at 215 E. Foothills Parkway.
Officers responded to reports of gunfire and quickly arrived on scene, locating two victims on a sidewalk situated between the mall building and a nearby parking area.
Both victims sustained critical injuries and were transported to a local hospital by emergency medical services.
Despite lifesaving efforts, both victims succumbed to their injuries.
Their identities have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin by the Larimer County Coroner’s Office.
Following an intensive investigation, police identified and apprehended a juvenile male suspect in connection with the shooting.
Due to the suspect’s age, authorities are withholding his identity at this time.
Police indicated that additional charges are expected as the investigation progresses.
As with all criminal cases, charges are considered allegations and the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Authorities stated that there is no indication of additional victims and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The shooting is being investigated as a possible gang-related incident.
However, police have chosen not to name specific gang affiliations in an effort to avoid granting notoriety.
Fort Collins Police are urging anyone with information who has not yet spoken with investigators to contact Detective Matt Dean at 970-221-6580. Those who wish to remain anonymous may submit tips through Larimer County Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868.
Authorities have identified the suspect in Thursday’s deadly shooting at Florida State University (FSU) as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of longtime Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner.
During an afternoon press conference, FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower confirmed that Phoenix Ikner was responsible for opening fire near the university’s Student Union Building, killing two individuals and injuring six others.
The incident unfolded around 11:50 a.m. on April 17, when the gunman began shooting on the university’s main campus in Tallahassee.
“FSU police responded immediately, engaged, neutralized, and apprehended the shooter,” Trumbower said. Ikner, believed to be an FSU student, was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital following the incident.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell detailed the law enforcement response, stating that officers confronted Ikner and opened fire when he failed to comply with commands.
He was subsequently subdued and taken for medical treatment.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil confirmed that the suspect is the son of Deputy Jessica Ikner, a veteran of the department with over 18 years of service.
“She has performed her duties with distinction,” McNeil stated, expressing support for Deputy Ikner during what he described as a devastating moment for her and the department.
Investigators revealed that the weapon used in the shooting was a handgun previously issued to Deputy Ikner before she transitioned to a new service weapon.
It was reportedly her personal firearm. Authorities also found a shotgun in Ikner’s possession at the scene, though it remains unclear whether it was discharged during the attack.
“We are continuing to investigate the role each weapon may have played and whether the suspect had access to additional firearms,” McNeil said.
Chief Revell added that Phoenix Ikner had been a “long-standing member” of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Youth Advisory Council and had participated in several law enforcement-related programs over the years.
“It’s not surprising to us that he had some level of access to firearms given his history within the agency’s youth programs,” Revell stated.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Authorities noted that Ikner has so far refused to cooperate with investigators or provide any explanation for his actions.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting in the investigation and has requested that anyone who witnessed the shooting or has relevant information or media uploads related to the incident submit tips through their official website at www.fbi.gov/fsushooting.
FSU remains under heightened security as law enforcement continues to process the scene and gather evidence.